It’s a Thursday Night, and you’re lying on the sofa, lazily scrolling through your Instagram feed with the television booming to no avail of capturing your attention. Your mum storms past, reminding you once again that you still haven’t done your seba’ visti yet. So, you turn off the news. In reality, there was nothing new; another political protest was happening. As you’re getting ready, you consider postponing your watch party for ‘Underground 6’ for later in the week. You message your friends to reschedule, and as you head out, you brush by your sister arriving from poledancing classes. The first church is adjacent to a convent in Rabat. Some nuns are fussing about with the flowers on the altar. After the fourth visit, you stop for a pastizz because all the praying has worn you out, so you sit on a bench at the belvedere. The fields beneath the walls of Mdina make you wonder how many farmers must have been out there today. After your seventh visit you wish the priest a good night as he starts closing
up behind you. He was probably waiting for you to leave; you think to yourself as you walk back home in the diffused light of streetlamps. As your key turns in the lock you hear the rumbling of some generic pop song coming from inside the house. Your brother faces you in the foyer, donning your mum’s makeup and clothes and a costume-store wig. He is pale in the face despite the heavy blush. You must have arrived a bit earlier than he had expected. Seba’ Visti is the brainchild of 27 University of Malta communications students. In this publication you can get a glimpse of how these interesting characters go about their daily lives and most especially how they spend their Saturday night which you will discover is not always as one imagines. Seba’ Visti is a raw celebration of youth; a bold, unapologetic message to everyone who attempts to put youth into one box. We encourage you to take a virtual visit to these interesting characters to find out more.
06
L-Ewwel Vista
The art of the pole Written By Abram Tomasi
14
Inspired by her mother, Vlada Zrinzo lay the groundwork for future dancers who want to showcase and teach others their art by clearing the distinction between pole-dancing and stripping.
It-Tieni Vista
L-ewwel darba li tawni megaphone Miktub Minn Christine Mamo
20
Il-vuċi taż-żagħżugħ Julian Delia flimkien ma’ sħabu tal-Moviment Graffiti jsemmgħu leħinhom għal dak li f’għajnejhom huwa s-sewwa għall-ġid tas-soċjetà Maltija.
It-Tielet Vista
From freezing to fire Written By Andrea Coleiro Stuntmen deal with risky business, literally. Morgan Chetcuti shares his experience as a stuntman in the film industry behind the fire, crashes and gunshots.
4
26
Ir-Raba’ Vista
Hanging up the habit Written By George Grima
Convent life is far from a routine of waking, praying, eating and sleeping. This ex-nun’s unexpected leave serves to challenge these conceptions.
34
Il-Ħames Vista
Elbow-deep In pastizzi dough Written By Fran Stivala
At 22 years of age, Iousef Meli runs 4 businesses around the island, serving good food with a good attitude to the Maltese.
42
Is-Sitt Vista
Il-ħajja ġewwa r-razzett
Miktub Minn Jean Claude Gatt
Il-ħajja fir-razzett mhix waħda faċli li tgħix ta’ kuljum, iżda għal Jean-Paul Fenech, din il-ħajja hija ferm għal qalbu, ġaladarba jsib il-bilanċ bejn il-ħajja tar-razzett u dik divertita.
48
Is-Seba’ Vista
A tale of eyelash glue and fake breasts
Written By Emma Asciak
Malta’s drag scene has started to boom these last few years and it is thanks to queer folk embracing their uniqueness through art. It is thanks to individuals like Aidan Abela.
5
Inspired by her mother, Vlada Zrinzo lay the groundwork for future dancers who want to showcase and teach others their art by clearing the distinction between pole-dancing and stripping.
6
ARTICLE BY
Abram Tomasi
7
I.
Vlada Zrinzo is a 22-year-old professional pole dancer and mother of one. She has fought against prejudices and stereotypes all her life, but has learnt to believe in herself. She now feels welcome in her own community here in Malta. Her dream has always been to provide the island with something new through her skills and passion for her career - something that is not commonly explored. As the years went by, she achieved great success, getting the respect she deserved in her field. When she was a child, Vlada wished to save animals from the streets and eventually wanted to join a circus. Now, the magic and mystery of pole dancing and her studio is her own form of circus-life that she always dreamt of.
Vlada’s mother used to pole dance when she was younger and encouraged her to try it out for herself. Her mother used to teach older women basic pole dancing in her own home, which quickly attracted Vlada to this very expressive form of art. She initially found it strange, especially the fact that many of the routines involved being on the floor unlike most traditional dance forms. However, she decided to give pole dancing a go on her own. It was difficult and physically demanding, especially in the first few months. In spite of this, Vlada persevered, constantly aspiring to be as talented as her mother one day. Vlada decided to share her progress on social media when she started feeling confident enough. Her friends
8
L-Ewwel Vista
were incredibly supportive. Some were even interested in trying it out for themselves, and Vlada was more than keen on helping them out. What started from basic home classes for her friends at the tender age of 16, eventually spiraled into a fullyfledged teaching business.
Usually, pole dancers and instructors face harsh criticism from their family, friends and even outsiders. Narrowminded people much too often miss the art and skill of pole-dancing for its supposedly scandalous nature. As a result, pole dancers get shamed for a career that they’re genuinely pursuing. Vlada considers herself extremely lucky to have had such open-minded parents. Regardless of what anyone does for a living, they are always open to understanding and learning about new things. It was both her parents’ mentality as well as Vlada’s own openness and drive, that led her to achieve success. At a time when Vlada was still teaching at home, her parents decided to shift their energy and resources from their failing business to a new venture with their daughter. They closed up shop and started doing pole dancing and gym classes. Soon enough they were also able to add on a beauty salon.
Despite the support and encouragement of her parents, Vlada’s friends were not wholly supportive. She explains how some of them thought that her career choice was inappropriate, and slowly fell out of touch with her as a result. Some people even went to the extent of sharing negative and sometimes hurtful comments on her social
.
The art of the pole
9
media pages. “Close your legs, bitch� is a reoccurring one which she finds hurtful but also very misinformed. Most of these individuals tend to think that she is a stripper or someone who is using her body sexually. At the beginning of her journey, Vlada avoided the sensual aspect of pole dancing in order to avoid the stigma and instead focused more on the athletic side of it. As she grew
10
L-Ewwel Vista
older, her confidence and passion continued to increase, and she decided to embrace it fully to explore all that the art has to offer. Despite the booming pride in her work, the stigma still persists. A couple of years ago, X-Factor Malta asked her and her crew to perform during a live show. Although, they weren’t paid for their work, this gave them the perfect opportunity to reach a wider audience. Vlada had
11
incurred several expenses to rent the pole, make the costumes and pay her crew. The performance promised to be a highlight of the night’s show. The X-Factor team was even loving the rehearsals and rooting her on, that is, until they cancelled her performance altogether. A politician was going to be present on the night, and the team feared that the performance was too provocative for the public official. Vlada felt humiliated, but this obstacle only made her mission to bring pole to mainstream even stronger. Vlada always sought to include everyone in her classes to diminish the stigma as much as possible, but also inspire people. Pole dancing is not as easy as some may think. It requires flexibility and strength. Her classes are full of women aged between 20-40 years old. Many older women tend to think they will not manage to master this dance form, but after several sessions and practice, they quickly realise that anyone can do it. Pole dancing is also becoming popular with a number of men – mainly gay men, who consider her classes a safe space where they can tap into their femininity through dance. Nowadays, Vlada’s main priority is to find a balance between her family and her work. Before she became a mother and later on a teacher, Vlada used to train much more. She wanted to compete in tournaments, and as a very competitive individual, she used to practice a lot and always achieved good results. However, since she became a mother, she now sticks to her classes only and train only three times per week. Her Saturdays are now stripped of partying and drinking. Staying in to rest with her child is her priority now. Vlada wants to make sure her daughter grows up as strong as her mother and grandmother, and continue her mission to fight against women being sexualised for their art. With each twirl about the pole, Vlada has her daughter’s future at the back of her mind.
12
L-Ewwel Vista
The Art of the Pole
13
Il-vuċi taż-żagħżugħ Julian Delia flimkien ma’ sħabu tal-Moviment Graffitti jsemmgħu leħinhom għal dak li f’għajnejhom huwa s-sewwa għall-ġid tas-soċjetà Maltija.
14
L-ewwel darba li tawni megaphone miktub minn
Christine Mamo
15
II. Minkejja li l-għejja tagħmel tagħha, id-determinazzjoni għal soċjetà aħjar dejjem tirbaħ.
Minn mindu kien żgħir, Julian Delia, żagħżugħ ta’ 25 sena, kien iħoss li fissoċjetà Maltija hemm affarijiet li ma jagħmlux sens u b’hekk kien hemm bżonn tibdil għal dan. Bħala tifel ma kienx jifhem għala ċertu affarijiet isiru kif isiru, għala jeżisti l-faqar, u għala jsir il-ħażen. “Minn mindu kont żgħir kont inħoss sentiment ta’ rabja meta kont nara xi ħaġa li mhux suppost tiġri,” qal Julian. “Tinnota li hemm xi ħaġa mhux f’postha imma ma tifhimx għala mhux kulħadd meqjus l-istess.”
Hekk kif beda jitfarfar daqsxejn, Julian beda jagħraf iktar l-affarijiet kif isiru u saħansitra kien jirribella kontra missieru għax kien hemm numru ta’ affarijiet li ma kienx jaqbel miegħu fuqhom. “Missieri dejjem prova jrabbi sens ta’ dixxiplina fija,” saħaq Julian. “Jien dejjem kont insaqsi u nisfidah; mhux b’intenzjoni ħażina, iżda biex nitgħallem. Kien hu stess li rabba’ fija li nsaqsi għaliex u ma naċċettax li jgħidu l-awtoritajiet b’għajnejja magħluqa.”
Iżda ma nistgħux ngħidu l-istess għal nannuh li għalih kien persuna ta’ eżempju u li jammira, tant li minn dejjem mexa fuq il-passi tiegħu. L-istess bħal nannuh, Julian fittex l-interess tas-soċjetà l-ewwel u qabel kollox minflok l-interess tiegħu nnifsu. “Nannuwi kien involut fil-General Workers Union u għalhekk dejjem kien qrib tal-ħaddiema,” stqarr Julian. “B’hekk lil missieri xtaqt nisfidah u lil nannuwi xtaqt nikkupjah. Huma kienu l-ikbar influwenza fuqi.” Julian jistqarr li l-ġenituri tiegħu mhux dejjem jifhmu għaliex minn tant nies f’Malta, irid ikun hu li jiġġieled għad-drittijiet tan-nies. Iżda bi tbissima liema bħalha Julian iwiġibhom bl-iktar mod sempliċi: “m’hemmx x’tagħmel, inthom rabbejtuni hekk!”
16
It-Tieni Vista
Mhux l-ewwel darba li l-ġenituri tiegħu pprovaw iwaqfuh milli jipprotesta, u dan jagħmluh bħala sens ta’ mħabba u biża’ għal binhom. Minħabba f’hekk hu kemm-il darba ddiskuta magħhom dan is-suġġett. Iżda f’għajnejhom huma jibqgħu jaraw biss lil binhom ferut jew ixellef dufrejh mal-ġustizzja. Is-snin tgerbu u Julian beda juri interess fil-Moviment Graffitti, moviment li għal 26 sena ġġieled għad-drittijiet tal-ħaddiema, għallugwaljanza, u għall-ħarsien talambjent. Ilu għal dawn l-aħħar erba’ snin jattendi l-protesti organizzati mill-Moviment innifsu, filwaqt li ilu sentejn jagħmel parti mill-eżekuttiv.
Issa li kiber, Julian sar jifhem aħjar il-problemi minn fejn ġejjin u għaliex iseħħu xi affarijiet li f’għajnejh m’għandhomx isiru. Dak li kien iħoss meta kien żgħir, mhux talli ma baqax fil-perjodu ta’ tfulitu iżda talli jħoss responsabbiltà ikbar li għandu jgħin fil-ġustizzja soċjali. Issa li mmatura, jista’ jaħseb b’mod indipendenti u jagħżel bl-aħjar mod id-direzzjoni li għandu jieħu f’dan ir-rigward.
Julian jemmen li “llum int u għada jien,” u b’hekk jiġġieled anke għallaffarijiet li ma jaffetwawhx b’mod dirett għaliex jemmen li fil-ħajja wieħed għandu jgħin lil kulħadd fid-diffikultajiet li jkun fihom: “il-bnedmin huma kollha b’qalb tħabbat, huma min huma.” Dan it-twemmin saħansitra wasslu biex jiggradwa u jaħdem fis-settur tassaħħa mentali.
Julian stqarr li l-membri tal-Moviment jiġu trattati bl-agħar mod, filwaqt li ma jonqosx it-tgħajjir li jaqilgħu meta jkunu qed jirrappreżentaw lill-Moviment. Hu mar lura fiż-żmien meta attenda protesta partikolari u fost it-tgħajjir beda jisma’, “żibel tattriq.” Dan il-kliem dejqu iżda żamm kalm, u dar lejn il-mexxej tal-protesta, u bi tbissima qallu: “għandkom bżonn iktar żibel tat-triq?”
“Bħalissa naħdem ma’ Richmond Foundation, fondazzjoni li taħdem għal persuni li jsofru minn problemi ta’ saħħa mentali,” qal Julian. “L-istess bħal Moviment Graffitti, huma jaħdmu għall-ġustizzja soċjali u b’hekk hemm konnessjoni bejn iżżewġ entitajiet.”
Ħafna jaħsbu li l-membri f’dan ilMoviment huma “nies bla xogħol u m’għandhomx x’jagħmlu f’ħajjithom.” Minkejja t-tgħajjir li jisma’ fl-isfond tal-protesti min-naħa tan-nies, xorta jibqa’ l-fatt li jħoss bħal ċertu poter fi ħdan il-Moviment li l-ebda persuna jew għaqda oħra m’huma kapaċi jtuh l-istess sodisfazzjon.
L-ewwel darba li tawni megaphone
17
L tawni m ħass “L-ewwel darba li tawni megaphone f’idi ħassejtni magħqud mal-folla, bħallikieku kelli poter fiżiku. Tħoss enerġija fl-arja fejn in-nies jesprimu lilhom infushom,” qal Julian. Iżda Julian assigura li l-protesti ma jsirux b’gost iżda biex isemmgħu leħinhom dwar xi kwistjoni li jkun hemm fil-pajjiż. Hu qal li ġaladarba ssir protesta, din issir għax wieħed ikun xeba’ jisma’ skandlu wara l-ieħor, problema wara l-oħra, u ħsara fl-ambjent wara l-oħra. Iżda fejn qabel kienu jiġu mgħajra, is-sitwazzjoni gravat tant li anke ġew mhedda b’arma li taqta’ u bilponta. Julian irrakkonta meta darba kienu qed jikkampjaw quddiem l-Awtoritajiet tal-Ippjanar fi protesta u persuna li sal-lum għadha mhux magħrufa bdiet tittawwal filkampijiet u teħdilhom ir-ritratti filwaqt li ċċarrtilhom il-kampijiet kollha. “Id-demokrazija għandha tkun dejjem attiva,” qal Julian. “Inti għandek tipparteċipa l-ħin kollu u jekk ma taqbilx ma xi ħaġa għandek issemma’ leħnek. Nippreferi nieħu riskju, li ovvjament ikun imdawwar b’biża’, milli ngħix ħajti kollha fil-biża’ talħajja ta’ kuljum.”
18
It-Tieni Vista
Ix-xogħol li jsir fi ħdan il-Moviment mhux wieħed faċli, anzi jġib miegħu ħafna għejja u stress. Jiġu mumenti li l-membri jispiċċaw jiddedikaw ħin daqs xogħol full-time ieħor, b’mod speċjali issa li Moviment Graffitti qed jikber tant li l-membri jlaħħqu l-mijiet. Diversi kwistjonijiet itawlu tant li Julian, l-istess bħall-membri l-oħra tal-Moviment, jibdew bħallikieku jaqtgħu qalbhom iżda dejjem jiftakru f’mumenti fl-istorja fejn dawk ż-żgħar iħallu l-iktar impatt. “Ikun hemm kwistjonijiet li tgħid qed tiġġieled għalihom iżda qisu mhu jiġri xejn,” saħaq Julian. “Iżda mbagħad taħseb f’mumenti kbar fl-istorja li jidhru qishom seħħu f’daqqa, meta fil-fatt kien hemm mumenti żgħar ta’ eroiżmu li jintesew. Hemmhekk niftakar li dak li qed nagħmel se jħalli impatt.” Fil-passat, Julian ġieli kkunsidra li joħroġ għall-politika iżda f’mument minnhom irrealizza li jkun iktar effettiv jekk jagħmel pressjoni esterna. B’hekk ma ħassx li għandu joħroġ għall-politika. Pressjoni li ssir mill-Moviment Graffitti mhux dejjem tkun waħda faċli, iżda Julian dejjem jibqa’ ottimist hekk kif l-għaqda talMoviment iżżommu miexi ’l quddiem.
L-ewwel darba li megaphone f’idi sejtni magħqud mal-folla “Jien David, huma Gulija. Iżda għandi l-isbandola! Għandi l-poter li niġġieled kontra l-ħażin,” żied jgħid Julian. Din il-ġlieda għall-ġustizzja tiħodlu ħafna ħin tant li bilkemm isib ħin liberu biex jiltaqa’ ma’ sħabu u jipprattika l-arti, il-kitba, u l-mużika li tant iħobb. Mhux l-ewwel darba li kellu jħassar il-pjanijiet minn ma’ sħabu għaliex tinqala’ xi ħaġa flaħħar ħin u saħansitra jieħu ġranet ’il bogħod mix-xogħol biex jipprattika l-passatempi tiegħu. “Inħossha li sħabi joħorġu jgawdu, u jien immur il-protesti minflok,” qal Julian. “Nieħu gost ma’ sħabi għax huma differenti minni u b’hekk nistrieh mentalment meta nitkellem magħhom. Nispiċċa nieħu pjaċir nisma’ biss u ma nitkellimx tant inkun għajjien.” Minkejja li l-għejja tagħmel tagħha, Julian ma jimmaġinahx jagħmel xi ħaġa oħra ħlief li jkompli jiġġieled għal dak li f’għajnejh huwa s-sewwa. Anke fil-futur jimmaġinah li jkun għad baqagħlu saħħa biżżejjed biex jibqa’ attivist. “Il-ġlieda għal talba ġusta se tiħodli ħafna ħin minn saħħti iżda se tkun worth it,” spiċċa jgħid Julian.
L-ewwel darba li tawni megaphone
19
Stuntmen deal with risky business, literally. Morgan Chetcuti shares his experience as a stuntman in the film industry behind the fire, crashes and gunshots.
20
From freezing to fire ARTICLE BY
Andrea Coleiro
21
Morgan Chetcuti is the only fulltime Maltese stuntman. He joined the marine cadets at the age of 12, and the Armed Forces of Malta at the age of 18. The army taught him how to handle weapons, train people and even save lives. At the time, he was also a ship boarding team leader with the AFM responsible for illegal migration as well as drug and fuel smuggling. His job was to scout the island for any illegal migrants, and search ships suspected of contraband or anything illegal. He also got the opportunity to train with the United States Coast Guard and the Navy Seals. One day, he got a call asking him to be a stunt double and drive a boat in a film called ‘Captain Phillips’ featuring Tom Hanks. Morgan did such a good job that he was invited to work in the States. Morgan Chetcuti’s career as a stuntman had begun. Little did he know that this new career would allow him take part in blockbusters like ‘World War Z’, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and most recently, ‘6 Underground’ featuring Ryan Reynolds. Morgan reminisces when he was tasked to crash a taxi into a police car. Everyone knew what they had to do and where to go. The camera was strapped in the backseat, and he was sitting behind the wheel. “So, I’m waiting to go, and then, the back door of my car opens, and I thought maybe it’s one of the camera technicians to make some final adjustments … but from my mirror I could see it’s actually tourists thinking I’m a real taxi.” They slipped the security guard because he thought they were extras, as there were about 100 people in the street.
22
It-Tielet Vista
Luckily, he realised soon enough and came running to stop them. “That would have been quite an experience for them if they had actually managed to get in the car!” Another memorable moment was on the Warner Brothers Studio set whilst filming ‘The Heart of The Sea’ with Chris Hemsworth. “It’s a night scene … we are taking the oil, spilling it on the floor, so it’s super slippery and as I’m walking, I almost slipped, and automatically, you don’t want to fall so you’re going to reach out to something. As I’m reaching out, I notice I was going to grab onto Ron Howard, the director. So, I pull my hand back just in time and manage not to fall … Imagine if I did … pulling an older guy down -that would have been the end of my career.” ‘6 Underground’ offered no less memorable experiences. “There is this scene, a super yacht that costs 200 million euros … and they didn’t let us aboard with our shoes, so we had to wear socks, and not even our radios, nothing, so that we wouldn’t scratch or damage anything”. However, the producers built another yacht in the studio for the stunts to be performed so that they could break and explode stuff. The scene involved a lot of guns and people flying from one side to the other, and Morgan was attached to a wire which would pull him very violently out of the way. He continued, “Michael Bay was over there and he told me, ‘Hey Morgan, I’m going to throw something at you.’ I wasn’t scared, but I was curious of what he wanted to throw … and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Oh, what the hell is he going to do’. Anyway, after I found out, luckily he missed, it was a breakaway jug filled with wine.”
I’m shivering before I’m set on fire... the first few seconds I don’t even know that
Morgan shared some insights on how certain action scenes are done. For example, when someone is on fire, the person will be wearing numerous layers of clothing covered in freezing gel and gloves all covered with a propellant to light up immediately. This is done with your eyes closed and holding your breath throughout. “I’m shivering before I’m set on fire … the first few seconds I don’t even know that I’m alight, so they tell me that I’m burning or they tap me with the torch”. On the other hand, if someone gets shot, fake blood or red dust is used, although nowadays, CGI is starting to be used more. But like everyone else, Morgan has a personal life, and his Saturday Night is pizza night. “All week I eat healthy and train 3 hours a day. But Saturday nights are when I get to have a ‘cheat meal’ and spend time with my family at home either watching a movie or playing a board game.” He spends six days of the week training at the gym. For stunt performers like him, it is of utmost importance to strengthen the core and neck, because it protects the spine during stunts. It is not typical to see a Maltese name featured in such big blockbusters.
Morgan said that while he was in the army, the majority didn’t even know about Malta. But in film, Malta is the heart of the Mediterranean and most of the people in the industry are familiar with the islands. According to Morgan, Malta is a good location. Everyone speaks English and it is easy to travel and carry equipment. Conversely, “the limitations of Malta are the size of the local crew. I feel that more than two productions at the same time would exhaust all the local crew, even one large production. ‘Jurassic World’ is like 600 people coming from overseas.” Flashforward to now, Morgan is busy training other individuals in stunt performance, as teacher and owner of Phantom Stunts. Morgan hopes he’ll be able to retire within the next 10 years. “I’m training my son -he’s 10 years old. I’d like to say he is the future of Phantom Stunts because I’ve already involved him in films locally.” All that’s left until retirement is for his 10-year-old to turn 18 and continue his legacy. Morgan can hopefully leave fire, crashes and gunshots behind him to look forward to pizza and boardgames.
From freezing to fire
25
Convent life is far from a routine of waking, praying, eating and sleeping. This ex-nun’s unexpected leave serves to challenge these conceptions.
26
Hanging up the habit
ARTICLE BY
George Grima
27
“No, I never felt
I was meant to be a nun.” No one ever pushed 24-year-old Erica into the convent life, but there she stayed for 6 years until she felt it was her time to move on. She had nothing but kind words for her sisterhood and still considers them close friends one year after her leave. The sisterhood was just another family to her; bigger and more spiritual perhaps, but a family nonetheless. All Erica ever wanted was to belong, and the convent seemed to have fit her aspirations completely.
Upon the interviewee’s wish to share her story anonymously, a placeholder name was used instead of the original name.
28
Ir-Raba’ Vista
Before Erica got to a place where she would even consider sisterhood as an actual option, she suffered through traumatic events, and she had to overcome obstacles that left her questioning her faith, her existence and life in general. “There was a time in my life when I proclaimed myself an atheist … I questioned everything in religion and actually believed a world without God would be better.” All she wanted was to belong and these experiences made this even harder for her. At the age of 12 she was having existential crises, while a year later she had started contemplating the meaning of life and the presence of God. Her friends were still scraping their knees and worrying about homework. They could not possibly understand what she was going through. Erica trudged through her issues alone, until she could delve into spirituality again with a renewed maturity. She had to sharpen her adult thinking earlier than her peers, and in a sense, she matured before them. She took advantage of her situation and did not look back in regret over her ‘lost youth’. “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Luckily, it’s
in my character to be dynamic, adaptable, to make the most of the situation you are in.” The penchant for the convent may have not always been there, but altruism was always at Erica’s core growing up. Whether it was neighbours in need or lonesome elders, she always went out of her way to help. As she grew into her teens and surpassed her trauma, Erica started realising how much she strived to be with others and avoided being alone, which eventually led to her joining a youth group. From thereon, it was a journey of self-discovery and the vocational life eventually seemed to be more and more in line with what Erica wanted from life. Of course the decision to become a nun is never a rash one. Thinking it is the life for you is merely the tip of the iceberg which is the sacrifice of convent life. You essentially leave your life behind for a new wardrobe, new home, and new family. Aspiring nuns are faced with a rigorous process of discernment once they cross the convent threshold to really gauge the vocation in all its tangents and ascertain it is the life for them. Erica was sure of herself. In retrospect life with her sisters was bliss.
Hanging up the habit
29
“There are prayer times, fun times, hard times and sick times – there’s everything, like with any other family.” The hard times for the sisterhood were especially draining because their work had them deal with families in tough situations. But as they would toil together as sisters, they would also have fun together. Saturday nights served to bring the community closer together. The praying would be put aside for the time being, and it would be all board games, movies, and barbeques, nothing you wouldn’t find in any typical suburban family home. The annual Eurovision night was also a favourite with the older nuns at the convent. For Erica, the work she did was what she had signed up for; the altruism and belonging. What she did not pre-empt was her struggle with the public perception of nuns and religion in general. As a nun she felt less approachable. People would treat her as some higher being, putting her on a pedestal closer to God saying things like “sister please pray għax it-talb tiegħek jasal”. Convent life was simply a different lifestyle to her. Erica struggled with people’s expectations because she constantly strived for an unattainable perfection. In reality there is no formula to becoming a nun. “I’ve met some pretty crazy characters that have you saying “tipo ‘Wow din daħlet soru?’”
30
Ir-Raba’ Vista
There was a time in my life when I proclaimed myself an atheist...
31
Hanging up the habit
32
Ir-Raba’ Vista
The beauty of a convent is all the different personalities that call it their home. Everyone comes from vastly diverse experiences which led them to the convent’s doorstep. Everyone has their own special something to bring to the sisterhood. So when a new sister joins it’s a new friend, a new family member. When a sister leaves, it’s a loss, a grieving process. “My leaving was hurtful to a couple of people because to them, it’s a loss.” It was not an overnight decision to leave her new life behind. What started as a worrisome thought at the back of her mind developed into a need that she had to tackle. Between spiritual guidance and daily prayer, Erica managed to come to terms with her decision. However, it was the friendships that she had fostered which pushed her over the obstacles. Her sisters’ grieved her leave immensely, but they understood her decision and supported her with everything she needed to move on with her life. Each nun’s experience is different.
There were some that left unresolved issues when leaving and the scar left was deeper. Erica left without regret and her friendships from the convent are still going strong one year on. She promised a life of service and meant it, but her journey was not over once she entered the convent. The discernment continued and with God by her side she pursued her path to self-discovery – a path which traversed the convent walls. “I feel like my years in the convent were almost like having a break from this world for a couple of years until I managed to find myself.” A 32-year-old Erica has hung up the habit just over a year ago now. She still prays regularly, has friends from the convent and has pictures as a nun up on her Facebook. She also makes her own plans, works office hours and is in a committed relationship. People sitting on the bus beside her no longer open up like crazy to her because of what she wears. It’s just Erica now.
Hanging up the habit
33
At 22 years of age, Iousef Meli runs 4 businesses around the island, serving good food with a good attitude to the Maltese.
34
35
Fran Stivala
ARTICLE BY
Elbow-deep in pastizzi dough
“Ejja, let’s have a drink!” he says loudly as he grabs a few cold ones. Wearing an all-black outfit, classic Nike Air Max’s and sporting a fresh haircut, Iousef Meli directs us towards his best table with sunny views of the piazza in Paola in his new restaurant Antelli’s. As he walks around behind the bar; getting us drinks and joking around with one of the servers, I look down to the square below and watch as locals go about their daily lives. The view is great as it features both modern architecture as well as a traditional grand church. At peak dining hours, I imagine the vibe and atmosphere to be fantastic. Just as I was thinking this, Iousef appears and says in his permanently jovial voice, “Let’s sit, għax I’ve had a very long day and expect it to get busier for dinner service, imma għadni m’għajjejtx” and giggles, knowing that he is doing very well for himself. Iousef is 22 years old, runs 4 businesses around the island, has many friends, is usually in a good mood and probably knows a thing or more about the ways of the working
36
Il-Ħames Vista
world than you or I. Only a year ago, Iousef’s life was very different. He wasn’t working in the catering business nor did he think he would one day own 3 eateries. In his even younger days, Iousef used to lead a very different life; he played for the Maltese national football team, enjoyed spending time with his friends, be it eating out or clubbing, and loved spending quality time with his family. Today, he lives the life of a young businessman. As fun and exciting as his career path may be, he has been faced with many struggles. “Probably, my biggest struggle is that I don’t have enough time to hang out
with my friends and sometimes even my family. It’s very important for me to spend time with them whenever I have some time off,” he says. This is probably his least favourite aspect of working in this field as he is extremely extroverted and values time spent with his closest friends and family. Cigarette lit and his gaze observing the nearby activities, he almost looks like a long-time businessman who has seen it all and experienced everything possible as he tells me how his career began. He names one of his closest friends as an important
Elbow-deep in pastizzi dough
37
38
Ejja, let’s
figure in his career. He explains how his friend guided him in the right direction whenever he was unsure of any of his business ventures, needed help making decisions and how to better operate during the early days. Apart from the advice from his friend, Iousef says that he learned everything that he knows today on the job itself. His ability to adapt to new and changing situations, as well as his personal drive, allowed him to not only succeed in starting his own business but also to delve into different areas. “I never imagined that I would one day own a pastizzeria, let alone another one in a different location, as well as a restaurant.” Iousef’s first solo career involved buying and taking over the Sphinx Pastizzeria in Attard. Here, he learned how hard work, dedication and perseverance pay off, and with good results. This was not an easy way of life for him; in fact, it initially proved to be quite difficult. He recalls how waking up at 5 in the morning in order to prepare himself and the pastizzeria for the day ahead and closing shop at around 9 at night was extremely tough and often challenging. This new way of life was very different to what he was used to. However, he tells me that he enjoys his time working at the pastizzeria, even though now he has to divide his time between his other businesses. “I enjoyed meeting regular customers in the early hours of the morning or at night because
s have
they talk to me and share things about their lives as though I am their best friend”, he says with a smile on his face, remembering momentous and sometimes funny encounters. Now, he enjoys this same relationship with his customers at his restaurant where he can spend more time discussing current affairs and banter with the locals and colleagues. Anyone who meets Iousef, even briefly, will be greeted with a wide grin and will feel like they’ve known him for the longest time. The atmosphere among the people working at the restaurant is lively and fun; it is obvious that working with Iousef is an enjoyable experience. This is all thanks to his likability and charm, which works wonders on anyone who crosses his path. His personality allowed him to develop strong and fruitful relationships with his customers as well as his colleagues. He has learned the tricks of the trade and is on his way to bigger things. With all his recent and quick success, Iousef does not forget the tougher times but is nostalgic and thankful for taking a leap of faith and taking the unconventional route. “I haven’t had a night out in quite some time now. I need one soon!” His work doesn’t always allow him to meet his friends on the weekend, where they would typically go clubbing or have a few drinks at a bar, as most 22-year olds do. This bothered him at the beginning of
39
Probably, my biggest struggle is that I don’t have enough time... 40
Il-ÄŚames Vista
his career as he felt that he is missing out on all the fun experiences of youth. But, now he looks at it differently. Iousef, ever the optimist yet wise planner, explains that everything he is doing now, including all the hardship that comes with such a career path, will be worth it in the future and provide him with the comfort, stability and security that he needs to live the life of his dreams. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for that pastizzeria in Attard,” he says as we cheer to his excellent entrepreneurship and future success.
...with my friends and sometimes even my family. Elbow-deep in pastizzi dough
41
6 Il-ħajja fir-razzett mhix waħda faċli li tgħix ta’ kuljum, iżda għal Jean-Paul Fenech, din il-ħajja hija ferm għal qalbu, ġaladarba jsib il-bilanċ bejn il-ħajja tarrazzett u dik divertita.
42
Il-ħajja Il-ħajja Il-ħajja Il-ħajja Il-ħajja Il-ħajja Il-ħajja ġewwa r-razzett miktub minn
Jean Claude Gatt
43
VI. Mhijiex xi ħaġa daqstant komuni filħajja tal-lum, li żagħżugħ ta’ 28 sena jaħdem xogħol ta’ raħħal. Din hija sengħa li tirrikjedi ħafna dedikazzjoni u sagrifiċċji, meta tqis il-ħinijiet twal, ta’ kuljum, li jaħdem Jean-Paul Fenech. Sa minn ċkunitu, Jean-Paul kellu n-namra li jaħdem fir-razzett. Huwa jirrakkonta li dan ix-xogħol għadda minn ġenerazzjoni għal oħra, u llum imexxi razzett ta’ 110 baqra, waħdu. “Dan ix-xogħol beda mill-ġenerazzjonijiet tan-nannu: beda minn missier missieri, imbagħad kompla missieri, u għalkemm missieri qatt ma ġegħelni biex niġi f’dan ix-xogħol bilfors, jiena wara l-iskola kont nibqa’ ġej ma’ missieri r-razzett. Jiena kbirt fin-namra ta’ dan ix-xogħol, minn dejjem ħassejtni obbligat li niġi naħdem f’dan ix-xogħol. Minn fuq il-bank tal-iskola, Jean-Paul spiċċa jmexxi razzett waħdu, “illum missieri huwa pensjonant u allura issa mmexxi kollox jien, waħdi.”
Filwaqt li Fenech jinsab grat lejn ommu li żammitlu r-riedni biex jitgħallem skola kemm jista’ qabel ma jibda’ jaħdem fir-razzett, huwa jħossu kburi ferm li kompla fuq il-passi ta’ qablu għax skontu, “dan ix-xogħol huwa tradizzjoni li fil-pajjiż qed tonqos u li huma ftit iżżgħażagħ li jridu jaħdmu dan ix-xogħol.” Ix-xogħol ta’ Jean-Paul huwa ferm bżonjuż għall-industrija tal-ħalib, iżda aktar ma jgħaddi ż-żmien, iktar l-industrija tar-raħħala qiegħda tonqos. “In-nies ma tantx iħabblu rashom, għax jekk ma jsibux ħalib lokali, malajr jistgħu jixtru ħalib ta’ barra, għalkemm il-prodott lokali dejjem jibqa’ l-favorit fost il-Maltin. Iżda għalija personali, bħala raħħal jinkwetani l-fatt jekk hux se jkun hawn min ikompli dan ix-xogħol warajja.” Jean-Paul spjegalna kif tkun ġurnata tipika tax-xogħol tiegħu bħala raħħal żgħażugħ, u dewwaqna ftit mir-rutina iebsa tiegħu ta’ kuljum,
44
Is-Sitt Vista
.
missieri huwa pensjonant6u allura issa mmexxi kollox jien, waħdi.
“Il-baqar jindunaw li nkun wasalt jien, għax malli niftaħ ix-xatba, kollha jqumu. Jiena naħdem minn dlam sa dlam, tista’ tgħid. Nibda fil-5 ta’ filgħodu, billi ndur il-bhejjem kollha u nara li kollox sew. Imbagħad innaddfilhom fejn jorqdu, nagħlifhom, u huma u jieklu, nilħaq narma l-milking parlor, fejn jinħalbu l-baqar u jibda l-proċess tal-taħlib, li jdum mat-tliet sigħat. Wara nerġa’ nagħtihom jieklu, għax tagħtihom x’jieklu tliet darbiet kuljum, u sadanittant naħsel sewwa fejn ikunu nħalbu l-baqar, għax importanti li żżomm l-iġene f’dan l-ambjent. Għall-ħabta tal-11 ta’ filgħodu mmur bil-ħalib il-Malta Dairy Products, il-Ħamrun, biex imbagħad jibda l-proċess tal-ippasturizzazzjoni tal-ħalib.”
Il-ħajja ġewwa r-razzett
45
Jean-Paul jirnexxilu jsib bilanċ bejn il-ħajja tax-xogħol u dik żagħżugħa. “Iż-żgħażagħ ibeżżagħhom il-fatt li la għandek sick-leave, la għandek festi, u li jkollok ċertu rabta u responsabbiltà fuq xogħlok. Iżda kulħadd ikun kapaċi jaddatta għall-ambjent ta’ fejn iħossu komdu li jaħdem, importanti li tkun kapaċi li żżomm il-bilanċ, bejn ix-xogħol u l-ħajja privata tiegħek” stqarr Jean-Paul. “Jiena, bħala żagħżugħ ta’ 28 sena xorta nsib ħin għal ma’ sħabi, li nipprattika l-passatemp tal-futbol, u jekk irrid insiefer xorta nara kif nirranġa biex insiefer safra ta’ tlett ijiem”. Jean-Paul iħobb ħafna juża l-midja soċjali biex jaqsam ħsibijietu dwar l-imħabba li għandu lejn xogħolu u lejn l-annimali. Ta’ kuljum huwa juża l-Facebook stories, biex jaqsam magħna l-ġurnata tipika tiegħu kif tkun. Il-favoriti tiegħu, fost l-istejjer li jtella’ huma l-imħabba li juri lejn ilbaqar. “Jien għixt ħajti kollha s’issa f’dan l-ambjent, u tista’ tgħid li tlaqt nimxi qalb il-baqar. L-iktar ħaġa li niddejjaq huwa meta nieħdu xi baqra għall-qatla għax isiru parti minnek, imma meta tixjieh baqra, tkun qed tbati u allura ma jkollnix triq oħra biex ma nħalluhiex tbati.” Bħal kwalunkwe xogħol ieħor, għalkemm huwa xogħol iebes, dan ix-xogħol għandu s-sodisazzjon tiegħu wkoll. “L-iktar ħaġa li tissodisfani f’xogħli hija li minkejja l-ħafna sagrifiċċji, imbagħad meta tara l-prodott finali jinbiegħ fis-suq Malti, u li d-domanda għalih hija waħda kbira, tagħtik sodisfazzjon kbir f’xogħlok”, qasam magħna r-raħħal. Huwa żied jgħid li, “l-iktar ħaġa li ddejaqni hija li hawn ħafna min jaħseb li naqilgħu ħafna flus minn dan ix-xogħol, dan mhu veru xejn għax biex taħdem f’dan l-ambjent, bis-sagrifiċċji kollha tiegħu, minkejja li hija ġenerazzjoni ta’ familja, qalbek trid tkun hawn.” Jean-Paul ikkumenta fuq kemm jirrabjawh ir-rapporti li jara fuq il-midja soċjali dwar il-moħqrija tal-annimali u stqarr li: “idejjaqni ħafna l-fatt li hawn min jaħseb li aħna naħqruhom il-baqar biex nieħdu kemm jista’ jkun ħalib minnhom, dan mhu veru xejn.” Fid-dawl tal-avvanz tat-tekonoloġija, ir-razzett ta’ Jean-Paul huwa mgħammar bl-aħħar teknoloġija skont ir-regolamenti tal-Unjoni Ewropea. “Illum il-progress jew timxi miegħu,
46
Is-Sitt Vista
jew inkella jgħaddi minn fuqek. Trid tinvesti dejjem għall-aħjar, biex kemm jista’ jkun tnaqqas it-tbatija u jkollok l-effiċjenza fuq il-post tax-xogħol” stqarr Jean-Paul.
f’dan l-ambjent. “Jien ma nagħtix kas il-kummenti bla sens li jkun hawn min ġieli jgħaddili għax naħdem dan it-tip ta’ xogħol, għax fl-aħħar mill-aħħar hemm is-sodisfazzjon f’xogħli.”
Fenech jammetti li għandu rabta kbira b’xogħlu u meta jitkellem ma’ żgħażagħ oħra jkun hemm min jgħoddu bħala miġnun li għall-eta’ tiegħu jaħdem
Jean-Paul ma jinkwetahx ħafna l-fatt li d-dinja tal-vegani, li ma jikkonsmawx lanqas prodotti ġejjin mill-annimali qiegħda dejjem tikber. “Li jinkwetani huwa l-ħsara li jagħmlu lill-industrija tar-raħħala għax ipoġġuna li qed naħqru l-annimali, u bħalma aħna nirrispettaw id-deċiżjoni tagħhom, huma m’għandhomx ipoġġu lil kulħadd fl-istess keffa, għax jiena nħobb ħafna l-annimali u nqishom bħala l-familja tiegħi, fir-razzett.” “Jiena nkun looking forward ħafna li jasal is-Sibt biex wara ġimgħa xogħol iebsa, niltaqa’ ma’ sħabi u r-regola tagħna tkun li ma nitkellmux fuq xogħol.” Jean-Paul qasam magħna li jħobb ħafna jgawdi l-ħajja żagħżugħa u li jiffrekwenta ħafna d-diskoteki lokali. Saħansitra, meta jsiefer safra qasira ta’ tlett ijiem, huwa jagħżel li jivvjaġġa lejn postijiet ta’ divertiment, eżempju ftit tal-ġimgħat ilu għadu ġej minn Ibiża, li hija magħrufa sew maż-żgħażagħ għad-divertiment. “Jiena imdorri naħdem, u meta nsiefer inħossni niġġennen jekk wara tlett ijiem ma niġix lura, ħalli nkompli bix-xogħol.” Huwa stqarr li, “jiena m’għandi xejn inqas minn żgħażagħ oħra, naf nieħu pjaċir bħal kulħadd.” “F’dan it-tip ta’ xogħol, irid ikollok kontroll fuq il-ħin. Ma nistax nagħmel lejl barra u nqum f’ xi nofsinhar bħal sħabi, għax filgħodu rrid nerġa’ nqum b’saħħti għal ġurnata xogħol oħra.” Ir-raħħal żagħżugħ stqarr li, “l-iktar mument diffiċli li nsib biex niġi x-xogħol hija fil-festa taż-Żejtun, li wara l-marċ tas-siegħa rrid nibqa’ ġej hawnhekk, ir-razzett, naħleb il-baqar, imma dak hu s-sagrifiċċju.” Jean-Paul għalaq din l-intervista fuq nota li, “jekk nibqgħu reqdin aħna, ma jkollkomx ħalib frisk intom, allura rrid inkun kapaċi nikkontrolla l-ħajja żagħżugħa tiegħi.”
Il-ħajja ġewwa r-razzett
47
Malta’s drag scene has started to boom these last few years and it is thanks to queer folk embracing their uniqueness through art. It is thanks to individuals like Aidan Abela.
48
A tale of eyelash glue and fake breasts ARTICLE BY
Emma Asciak
49
VII. Drag artists are not just statuesque figures there to entertain. Their art is a commentary on what is going on around us, beyond the gay bar and beyond the Paceville mist of alcohol fumes and glitter. Each twirl and hair flip are a big FU to societal norms and binary gender. Aidan Abela grew up in Malta and never really considered becoming a drag queen when he was younger. At 18 years old looking back, his upbringing was pretty ‘normal’ and it never hinted at queer culture, let alone the idea of pursuing drag. All Aidan needed was one TV series to introduce him to this foreign world: Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Having seen fierce drag artists, not only compete, but more importantly embrace their uniqueness as queer individuals, Aidan was inspired to start experimenting. His curiosity lead him to his mother’s room where he would borrow her makeup and clothes. Granted, his lashes started out wonky, his breasts uneven and his wig not exactly premium quality, but he would never look back.
50
Is-Seba’ Vista
.
After some time of playing dress up and gaining more knowledge on the world of drag, Aidan got his first chance to showcase his new persona. A routine Facebook scroll had him come across a local lip-syncing competition that was taking place. This quickly became Miss Sheyonce’s debut but leaving the comfort of mum’s bedroom was easier said than done. “She was the first to come in and see me in full drag; she said I looked good and jokingly added on that I went a bit heavy on the bronzer” Aidan’s mum was the first to see him fully dolled up before his first big performance. Thankfully, all his family and friends were supportive of his decision. He considers himself extremely lucky. Most queer youth struggle with being accepted since anyone who strays away from any gender norms typically gets shamed for it in Malta. With all the support bolstering her forward, Miss Sheyonce strutted along the stage and lip-synced for her life to Alaska Thunderfuck’s hit ‘Hieeee’. Her mother cheered her on, shouting and hollering, proudly proclaiming herself as Sheyonce’s number one fan. Having so much encouragement from everyone pushed her to snatch second place in the competition with her debut performance. Aidan could only describe these first moments of spotlight as simply ‘beautiful’. “I was lucky enough to have family and friends that give me support. Thank God I had them because they really helped in my drag career”
A tale of eyelash glue and fake breasts
51
Looking back, Aidan reminisces on the humble beginnings of his drag persona. Around two years ago, he sat down at his laptop, logged into an online drag name generator and inputted the name of his pet amongst other things. A couple of clicks later the name Sheyonce appeared. He had axed the second name and kept it simple by prefixing the name with a ‘Miss’. From there on out, Aidan has had some time to define Miss Sheyonce’s look and personality, beyond the AI-given name that had set the ball rolling. Aidan and Miss Sheyonce wouldn’t get along. While Aidan is the more reserved type out of drag, a pair of lashes and some lashes push him into the spotlight ready to take on the world. Miss Sheyonce has no qualms with going up to strangers and saying what’s on her mind. She will dance like no one is watching and have a good time. Her look pretty much resembles her personality to a T. She is a fan of a good bodysuit that will show off miles of legs. Anything glitzy and glamorous will definitely make its way to her rack. Ultimately, Aidan aims to emulate and empower women like his mother with his drag. Putting on some sequins and a mug means nothing if not an homage to his the strong woman who paved the way for him to do his art. Since beginning his journey, Aidan has already graced Maltese TV
52
Is-Seba’ Vista
screens with his appearance on Ħadd Għalik where he stood alongside fellow drag artists. Although this was an honour, the most memorable moment from his career stands to be his trip to Drag Con. Drag Con is a convention for drag artists to relish in each other’s art and uniqueness. It was one of the first times Aidan and Miss Sheyonce truly felt they belonged. “There were children as young as 10 dressed in drag, something which we cannot even dream of in Malta”. All my insecurities drifted away and I knew that anyone staring was appreciating my art, not judging me. Aidan closed off his experience with a lip-sync performance. The crowd’s cheers meant more than ever before, knowing they were coming from likeminded individuals that understood him. Unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games once the wig comes off. The spotlight eventually fades, and Aidan goes back to his full-time job as a cashier at a betting company. His dream is to do drag full time, but Malta leaves drag artists feeling frustrated. “We are limited in Malta, there is nowhere to go” This country lacks awareness but has an excess of closed-minded people who refuse to understand drag and queer culture in general. “A lot of people still need to understand what drag even is and why we do it”.
Aidan experienced this backlash first-hand when a picture he had taken with a fan made the rounds and a 10-yearold ended up seeing it. Their mother had then contacted the fan, saying the photo was harmful to her child. Even though schools are already teaching children about queer culture, this mother, like many other Maltese, was not ready to ‘expose’ her daughter to a world beyond her backyard. Aidan could simply pack up Miss Sheyonce and head to a proper drag scene in London, New York, Paris. He would be leaving Maltese limitations behind, but also his family. Aidan cannot see himself without his family. They have supported him from the start and they will continue to support him as he continues to shake gender norms in Malta with his art.
A tale of eyelash glue and fake breasts
53
Andrea Coleiro
Francesca Stivala
Editorial
George Michael Grima
Enrico Falzon
Jean Claude Gatt
55
Alexia Ellul
Christina Lauri
Clayton Grech
Commun 56
Andrea Rossitto
Christabel Borg
Christine Mamo
Miguel Galea
nications 57
Mark Liam Formosa
Emma Zammit
Maria Gatt
Winston Spiteri
58
keting Laura Emma Grima
Jonas Simbaye
Lloyd Bonello
59
Benjamin Abela
Damian Cuschieri
Emma Asciak
Laura Azzopardi
60
Rebecca Attard
Gilles Muscat
Janica Farrugia
Sarah Aquilina
61
Faculty of Media & Knowledge Sciences Prof Noellie Brockdorff, Prof Ġorġ Mallia, Malcolm Bonello, and Administrative Staff Bacco by Hugo’s Bare Sports Europe Black Pearl Cisk ESN Frank Zammit (Vibe FM) Insite Malta Jalie’s Kinnie La Buona Trattoria del Nonno Lovebakes & Cakes Manouche Miamo’s Kitchen Miss Cake Malta Molecular Fusion MYNT Newsbook.com.mt Niumee OTN Patchwork Sailing Charters Malta Tad-Dulċier The Fit Lab by Miriam Xerri The Third Eye TVM Visage Sound Amy Monaghan Joelle Farrugia Kurt Camilleri Martha Spiteri
BAK David Cushchieri Debrii Dela Gigi Koroma Nexus Peach Sam Christie Stef Brendon Vella Cristina Sollami Jacob Walker Joanne Fsadni Julia Bonello Boissevain Ludivine O’Toole Max Galea Yannick Yankam Aidan Aquilina Andreas Micallef Erin Portelli Iousef Meli Jai Tabert-Garrovillo Jean-Paul Fenech Julian Delia Lev Schembri Luca Grima Morgan Chetcuti Paul Saliba Paul Spiteri Vlada Zrinzo
Seba’ Visti is entirely produced by B.Communications (Hons.) students enrolled in Magazine & Digital Publishing (MCS3020)
Seba’ Visti
sebavisti
